Rosie Batty's new project: 'I want Luke's death to make a difference'

When Rosie Batty's son Luke was murdered in 2014, the grieving mother barely had time to take a breath before she was fronting cameras, advocating on behalf of victims of family and domestic violence.

Having become a victim at the hand of her son's father and ex-partner since before her Luke's birth 11 years earlier, Batty, 56, made a split-second decision to do whatever it would take to help prevent other tragedies from taking place.

In honour of her tireless work, Batty was named Australian of the Year in 2015 and later that year released her incredible memoir -- A Mother's Love -- giving readers an insight into the lead-up and aftermath of the worst day of her life.

Now, Batty is back with a new project. She's been announced as the official ambassador of Friends with Dignity, an organisation offering assistance to victims who have fled from family and domestic violence in practical ways.

"Friends with Dignity is an organisation where there are some really passionate people involved who really want to help women at a point of crisis," she tells 9Honey.

Through her work with Friends with Dignity, Batty hopes to help help provide victims with 'practical help.' (Friends with Dignity)
"When you have to leave your home, sometimes you have to leave with nothing, and the fact that you have to start from scratch... it's one of the lowest points of your life. It's very difficult."

Batty, 56, met ex-partner Greg Anderson in 1992 when they worked together at a recruitment company, breaking up after two years together before reuniting eight years later. It was during this period that Batty fell pregnant with Luke, who was born on June 20 2002.

For the next 11 years, the mum was stalked, threatened, harassed and abused by Anderson, until he murdered Luke during cricket training on February 12, 2014, at a sports oval in the outer Melbourne suburb of Tyabb.

Anderson died later that day from self-inflicted stab wounds and after being shot by police.

The image of a shattered Batty fronting the media, voice quivering, starting a powerful conversation about family and domestic violence in Australia is a powerful one.

Luke would be 15 today had he not been murdered by his father, who a coronial inquest later speculated had "undiagnosed mental illness."

Batty says there are real barriers preventing victims from leaving violent and controlling relationships, including financial hardship and potential homelessness.

"If you are in danger, you'd ring Triple 000 and seek help from the police," she says. "If you are unsure, you should ring 1800 RESPECT."

Batty has dedicated her life to advocating on behalf of victims of family and domestic violence. (AAP)
She explains 1800 RESPECT can be a starting place where experts can help you understand your situation, saying, "from that place they can refer you to and connect you with specialised organisations."

Batty says since her son's death, she's felt "very fortunate" that people have wanted to listen to her about her experiences.

"I've felt very validated, very supported, very respected, and I guess I was driven in ways. I wanted Luke's death to make a difference and not to have been in vain," she says.

According to White Ribbon, one in three women have experienced domestic violence by someone known to them, and one in four children have been exposed to family violence.

An average of one woman a week is being killed by a current or former partner, and while there has been some progress made, Batty feels real cultural and societal change will take at least two decades to achieve when it comes to family and domestic violence.

"Change is happening all of the time, but we've got to consider it will take at least two generations to really start to see a significant change in attitude and real change," she says.

'I want Luke's death to make a difference.' (Friends with Dignity)
"So we really need to be prepared for this change to be a long journey," she says.

As Batty highlights, primary prevention campaigns aimed at changing the way we act, think and behave also took time - including those aimed at curbing drink driving, wearing seat belts and anti-smoking campaigns.

She points to governments and the media as playing a vital role in this cultural change, explaining that "victim blaming" and "excusing the behaviour of the perpetrator" needs to stop.

"We really have to engage governments to have long-term, strategic campaigning to help force societal change, and that's where I'm particularly keen to have influence," she adds.

Batty continues to work with the Victorian Government and in the corporate sector, helping educate and advocate on behalf of victims.

"I'm now in much more of a different space where I'm more actively involved in primary prevention," she explains.

Luke Batty was murdered by his father in 2014. (Facebook/ABC)
"So my journey has evolved in that initially you talk about what's happened to you, and then you start talking [about how] this a systemic problem and then you start talking about how can we stop it.

"I feel like I've developed a lot of knowledge and expertise in ways that I couldn't have understood."

Batty says for those who feel trapped in controlling or abusive domestic relationships, step one is always Triple Zero (000) or if there is uncertainty, a call to 1800 RESPECT.

She adds that when it comes to family and domestic violence, step one should always be about personal safety.

Batty has paid a huge personal price for choosing to share her story on behalf of all victims of domestic and family violence. However, she describes her work as having evolved from having to talk about that terrible day, to focusing all of her energy and efforts on helping others.

And because she's had such positive experiences as a result of sharing her story, it's encouraged her to keep doing it.

If you or someone your know is in need of assistance due to a domestic or family violence situation, contact Triple 0 or 1800 RESPECT.

Share your story by sending an email to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au or via Twitter @joabi or Instagram @joabi961